Hemel Hempstead, 26 May 2026 - Butlin’s is delighted to announce that its one-of-a-kind Rhinestone Redcoat – created to mark 90 years as the Home of Entertainment – has successfully raised £4,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) following the close of its public auction.
Unveiled at Butlin’s Skegness in March, the dazzling Redcoat jacket was hand-embellished with over 32,000 rhinestones and designed in collaboration with The Masked Singer costume designer Tim Simpson. The bespoke piece was created as a sparkling tribute to the iconic Redcoat uniform, honouring nine decades of British holiday entertainment and celebrating the more than 15,000 Redcoats who have shaped guest memories since 1936.
The jacket received 14 bids at auction as part of Butlin’s long-standing support for GOSH Charity, with all proceeds helping to fund the Charity’s most ambitious appeal to date – Build it. Beat it. – which is raising money to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). As part of this, the £4500 raised could help fund comfortable, supportive and fully adjustable treatment recliner chairs for patients undergoing long treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Currently under construction, the Children’s Cancer Centre, will be a new home for breakthrough treatments, helping to build the future of children’s cancer care and save more lives. The state-of-the-art facility is designed with the needs of seriously ill children and their families at the heart, creating an environment where pioneering research can thrive and kids can still be kids, despite going through the unimaginable.
From their own cancer experience, GOSH patient Aubrey and her family have been supporting GOSH Charity’s fundraising appeal and know first-hand about the difference the Children’s Cancer Centre will make.
Aubrey, aged six, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer, and received treatment at GOSH.
Up until Spring 2025, Aubrey was a healthy and happy child, then suddenly, she began to complain of leg pain. After vomiting blood, Aubrey was taken to her local hospital, who recognised the signs of leukaemia. She was immediately rushed to GOSH and admitted to intensive care where treatment started straightaway, which included different types of chemotherapy and lumbar punctures.
Now, Aubrey is receiving maintenance chemotherapy and goes to GOSH every couple of months. She is back at school and enjoying life so much more.
Aubrey’s mum, Madeleine, said: “When we received the diagnosis of cancer, we were completely distraught. We were rushed to GOSH, and because Aubrey was so poorly, she went straight to intensive care, so there wasn’t really time to process everything. Getting through treatment was hard, as her body wasn’t strong enough at first. But despite everything, Aubrey was never scared – she was incredible.
“I think a new Children’s Cancer Centre will be amazing. It'd be nice to be able to take the children outside and, having their own physio gym would be great. A lot of the children are immunocompromised, so it makes it all a bit easier for them and there will be less to worry about.”
Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see the Rhinestone Redcoat raise such a fantastic amount for GOSH Charity. This jacket represents 90 years of joy, talent and unforgettable memories created by our Redcoats, so it feels fitting that it will now go on to make a real difference for children and families who need it most. Our partnership with GOSH Charity spans decades, and we’re thrilled that our 90th anniversary celebrations have helped support such an important cause.”
Sarah Bissell, Deputy Director of Relationship Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said:
“We are so incredibly grateful to everyone at Butlins for their fundraising efforts. Auctioning their special “Redcoat” uniform and raising £4,500 is a brilliant achievement and will directly contribute towards vital facilities and equipment in the Children’s Cancer Centre, helping to improve the lives of young patients and their families.
“At GOSH Charity, we are committed to giving seriously ill children the best chance, and the best childhood possible, and that is why we are so thankful to Butlin’s and everyone who took the time to bid in their auction.”
The Rhinestone Redcoat auction marks the latest chapter in a relationship between Butlin’s and GOSH Charity that began in 1977, when founder Billy Butlin donated funds to purchase the hospital’s first paediatric CT scanner. Today, Butlin’s continues to support the charity through guest fundraising, staff initiatives and special events across its resorts.
As Butlin’s celebrates its milestone 90th year, the success of the Rhinestone Redcoat auction highlights the brand’s continued commitment to entertainment, community and giving back.
